The city of Jakarta (Indonesia) is alert to the risk of spreading acute hepatitis

Presently Indonesia recorded 21 patients acute hepatitis.

Jakarta’s deputy governor said that there are 14 other suspected cases of acute hepatitis, most of which are children under 16 years old. These patients presented with vomiting, severe diarrhea, fever, jaundice, convulsions, and decreased consciousness. The Indonesian Ministry of Health is investigating the cause of acute hepatitis through a whole virus panel test.

Indonesian epidemiologists call on the Government of this country to respond quickly to this disease. Ms. Masdalina Pane, Head of Research, Association of Indonesian Epidemiologists, said that the disease has the risk of breaking out into an epidemic like COVID-19. Therefore, the Government of Indonesia and all stakeholders must take precautions while determining the cause of acute hepatitis because the mortality rate in Indonesia is 30%, higher than other countries.

The Indonesian Epidemiologists Association suspects that the high mortality rate is due to the late detection of the disease. Epidemiologists call for the Indonesian government to immediately improve the early warning response system.

Meanwhile, the Indonesian Child Protection Committee requested, the Government of this country to monitor and re-evaluate 100% face-to-face learning to prevent the transmission of cases. mysterious hepatitis.

The Indonesian Child Protection Committee requires a reevaluation of face-to-face learning in light of the increase in suspected cases of mysterious hepatitis. (Photo: Kompas)

Indonesia’s leading scientist on acute hepatitis Hanifa Oswari urged people to be vigilant about the disease, but also to stay calm. Mr. Oswari recommends paying attention to sick children, especially if there are gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain with low-grade fever as this can lead to serious complications. .

People with the above symptoms are advised to immediately seek medical help to determine whether further testing is needed. Health workers also need to detect cases as early as possible for better treatment.

On April 23, WHO began to report the occurrence of cases of acute hepatitis of unknown etiology in children. And as of May 11, there have been 348 cases of pediatric patients reported in 20 countries.

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